Traits Of A Leader

The 4 Traits Of A Real Leader

This article is part of our Dream StateMENTs feature, providing advice and inspiration to men who are following their dreams, no matter what they may be.

Is there a certain set of personal attributes that predicts future success? Lots of people think so, including the U.S. government, and the International Visitor Leadership Program is proof. Established in the 1940s, the invitation-only program looks to identify future world leaders. These promising individuals are invited to travel the U.S., meeting with influential politicians or VIPs in their field of accomplishment. During the IVLP's 70-year existence, it has proven remarkably effective at identifying future leaders. Over 300 alumni have gone on to hold the highest office in their home country. According to an article by the BBC, 11 of the 22 current members of the Cabinet of the UK are alumni — so the program is still accurate in today's world. So what qualities are looked for? What traits do future world leaders share? Read on.

Opinionated and Persuasive

Critics of the IVLP say that the program seeks control over other countries by changing the opinion of America held by future leaders. Proponents of the program say visitors to the U.S. aren't being directly influenced but are rather given the opportunity to understand more about America and form their own opinion. But both sides of the argument are agreeing on one point: that these future leaders form strong opinions of the world around them and can sway others in their way of thinking. Having an informed, thought-out opinion on the circumstances that affect your world and the ability to communicate that vision is a clear indicator of the future movers and shakers of our world.

Case Study:Tony Blair. Throughout his time as prime minister, Blair made a number of bold moves that won large portions of the populace to his way of thinking. He was highly involved in the Belfast Agreement, the so-called "Good Friday" agreement that marked a de-escalation in the violent struggles in Ireland. His support of the Bush Administration and the war in the Middle East was, rightly or wrongly, persuasive enough to lead the British to war. Blair is often cited as a modern example of the "Charismatic Leader" stereotype, and had the strong opinions to match.

Excellent networking skills

It's fair to question whether the program's own prestige is to blame for its effectiveness at identifying future leaders. An exclusive program that identifies individuals as future leaders and gives them access to networks of people far, far above their current station? Critics say it's no wonder alumni go on to be successful. That's true as far as it goes, but these invitees also have to have the initiative and social know-how to get the maximum benefit out of the experience. Having the ability to grow and leverage your social network toward your goals is key, and adding some powerful names to your network is just a catalyst.

Case Study: The BBC article relates the story of former Dutch prime minister Jan Peter Balkenende. He went on to great things, but when he was invited to the program in 1985, he was a small-time player, toiling away on a city council. Researchers who study the IVLP point out the Balkenende was already a powerful networker, and connecting him with such prestigious people simply fast-tracked him toward goals he would have achieved on his own in time.

Comfortable with power

Of course, success is tied to ambition, but simple ambition doesn't make somebody successful. Much more telling is a person's comfort level with power. Many people want success but aren't prepared for the side-effects of power. It's one thing to enjoy the prestige of being a CEO and another to know that the well-being of 100s of employees relies on your decisions. Politicians have lots of direct control over the daily lives of the people around them, and it takes a specific mindset to be comfortable with that. These people are comfortable taking on positions of leadership and power, even as they acknowledge the serious nature of having this type of control over others. Many people fear additional responsibility and control over their environment, but game-changers embrace that control.